If you suspect your mattress is harboring bed bugs, here’s a guide to help you identify the signs.
Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be stressful, but knowing how to spot and eliminate them can help you regain control of your space. These tiny pests are experts at hiding, so detecting them early is crucial. If you suspect your mattress is harboring bed bugs, here’s a guide to help you identify the signs of this pest’s arrival and remove bed bugs on your mattress.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are sneaky little creatures, and sometimes, their eggs can be almost impossible to spot. However, there are other subtle indicators that can alert you to an infestation:
Visual Indicators
Look closely at your bed and bedding for these signs:
- Reddish Stains: These stains are a side effect of bed bugs feeding on your blood. They may appear on your sheets, pillowcases, or even on your mattress.
- Bed Bug Waste: These tiny, dark specks are bed bug droppings and are typically found near where they hide or on the fabric.
- Shed Skins: Bed bug nymphs molt as they grow, leaving behind pale yellow exoskeletons. These can be found around mattress seams and corners.
- Live Bed Bugs: The adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed, and are most active at night when they feed.
Bites and Skin Reactions
Bed bugs bite to feed on blood, often leaving behind small, itchy welts. These bites may appear in a line or cluster on your skin, especially on areas like your face, neck, arms, and hands. While they may look like mosquito or flea bites, bed bug bites tend to be more concentrated and might not appear right away. In some cases, you might not react to the bites at all. So, don’t rely solely on bites to diagnose an infestation.
Effective Removal Methods
Once you’ve identified the signs of a bed bug infestation, it’s time to take action. Here are some effective ways to remove bed bugs for good:
Washing and Drying Techniques
Bed bugs can’t survive in high temperatures, so washing and drying your bedding at high heat is an effective method to kill them. Here’s how:
- Wash Cycle: Use water at least 140°F (60°C) and wash for a minimum of 90 minutes.
- Dry Cycle: Dry the items on high heat for 30 minutes. Make sure to keep the items tightly sealed in plastic bags while transporting them to avoid spreading the infestation.
Be sure to wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and blankets.
Vacuuming and Steaming
For items you can’t wash, such as your mattress or upholstered furniture, vacuuming and steaming are great options:
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove bed bugs from cracks, seams, and the surface of your mattress. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately, as bed bugs can easily escape and re-infest your home.
- Steaming: A steamer set to at least 130°F (54°C) can kill bed bugs on contact. Use the steamer on your mattress, furniture, and other hard-to-wash items. Make sure to use a diffuser to direct the steam effectively and prevent bugs from scattering.
Using Bed Bug Sprays
If washing, vacuuming, and steaming don’t completely eradicate the bed bugs, you may need to resort to bed bug pesticides. When using chemical sprays, make sure to:
- Choose a product that is EPA-approved and specifically lists bed bugs as its target pest.
- Follow the instructions carefully to ensure effective use.
If you’re not comfortable using chemicals, or if the infestation persists, consider calling in a professional pest control service to handle the job. If you prefer to utilize new mattresses or sleeping accessories, Mattress Peddlers is your go-to place for everything you need to return comfort to your bedroom.
A GOOD NIGHT OF REST WITH MATTRESS PEDDLERS
When doing your research on Mattress Peddlers, you’ll find we match up to top-quality mattress company criteria, and even go beyond it! We’ve been a family-owned business providing quality mattresses and furniture throughout Delaware and even beyond since 1994. We love working closely with our customers to figure out their needs and also offer free shipping throughout Lewes, Millsboro, Rehoboth Beach, Harbeson, and the surrounding areas of Delaware.